Melissa has dreamt of her wedding since she was a little girl, so when Colton knelt on one knee with her glittering Rottermand Jewelers diamond, the wheels were immediately set in motion!

Walden Woods was an easy choice for their venue, as it combined Colton’s love of the outdoors, and Melissa’s desire for a classically elegant and timeless wedding, but they were both delightfully surprised when southeast Michigan’s first snowfall landed on their wedding day. The snow added a whole new level of wonder and beauty to their wedding.

Melissa and Colton filled their wedding with thoughtful gestures for their family and friends; from the inclusion of Melissa’s nieces and nephews in the wedding, to homemade chocolate chip cookies at every place setting at the reception. Melissa’s wedding mood board included deep classic reds and feminine mauve-toned pinks, all curated beautifully by Lasting Touch Floral. The guys’ tuxedos were one of my personal favorites from the day! The classic 3-piece ensemble set itself apart with the charcoal grey and black satin lapel and pocket detailing. Colton’s suit was a little different with a subtle monotoned plaid pattern in his charcoal tuxedo jacket. (Brighton Tuxedo Shoppe)

Pre-Ceremony Letter Reading

The First Look was saved for the alter, however, they wanted to connect beforehand to read their wedding day letters aloud without seeing each other. It was so sweet, there wasn’t a dry eye present, as they stood back-to-back and reaffirmed and expressed their love and devotion to each other.

One of my favorite things to witness on a wedding day is the connection between the bride and groom and their families. I loved that Melissa shared a First Look with her dad, and their walk down the aisle was a tear-jerker in the sweetest possible way, then they topped it off with a special choreographed Father-Daughter dance!

Sweet Endings

Melissa & Colton were the best kind of people to work with. They thoughtfully selected their vendor team and trusted us to create their vision. I loved working with their family, friends and vendor team, as they graciously hosted all of us. It’s refreshing to walk into a wedding day and plug right into the community that is serving and celebrating the couple – it doesn’t happen without intention and generosity! A special thanks goes to Katie Jo Films for sharing the creative space with me on a full and fast-paced wedding day. Shooting in the snow is a tricky balance of fighting the elements and creating images that look cozier, dryer, and more care-free than they were in real life – haha!

I just can’t say enough good things about Melissa, Colton, their bridal party and enthusiastic vendor team. See below for their vendor list – I highly recommend working with these wedding professionals!

Vendor Credits:

Venue & Catering: Walden Woods

Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Gowns: Baltic Born

Menswear: Brighton Tux Shoppe

Hair & Makeup: EV Artistry

Rings: Rottermand Jewelers

Invitations: Minted

Flowers: Lasting Touch Floral

Cake: Elite Sweets Livonia

DJ: Lawton Lunce Mobile Entertainment

Videographer: KatieJo Films